Investigation of the effect on boride layer of powder particle size used in boronizing with solid boron-yielding substances

In this study, the effect of particle size of powder used in the boronizing process with solid boron-yielding substances on the boride layer was investigated. Hot-shaped AISI 1020, AISI 1030, AISI 1040, and AISI 1050 structural steels were used as the base materials. EKabor HM powder was used as the boronizing agent, and was classified into four groups according to particle size. The boronizing process was carried out with each group at 900 degreesC for 2, 3, 4, and 5 h. The microstructure, microhardness, and layer thickness of the boronized materials were investigated. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.